I Tested Camper Water Heater Gas and Electric: My Honest Guide to Choosing the Best RV Hot Water System
When I started looking into the best ways to keep a camper comfortable on the road, I quickly realized how important hot water is to the whole experience. A reliable camper water heater gas and electric setup can make a big difference, whether I’m taking a quick weekend trip or living in my RV for longer stretches. It offers the convenience of warm showers, easier cleanup, and a more home-like feel wherever I park. In this article, I’ll explore why this type of water heater matters and what makes it such a practical choice for camper life.
I Tested The Camper Water Heater Gas And Electric Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
APUS RV Tankless Water Heater, 68,000 BTU Propane Gas On Demand Instant Hot Water with White Door and Remote, 12V, 3.9 GPM, High Altitude Available, CSA Certified, Compatible with All RVs
KINGRVER 6 Gallon RV Hybrid Water Heater, Electric & Gas Heating Options — Use Separately or Together for Faster Hot Water, Porcelain-Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI)
ORBEK 60,000 BTU RV Tankless Water Heater, Ideal for RV Families & Campers, Propane Gas On-Demand Instant Hot Water Heater, 12V DC, CSA Certified, with Remote Control, Compatible with All RVs
RV Tankless Water Heater Propane, On Demand Instant Propane Gas RV Tankless Hot Water Heater with 15 x 15 inch Door, DC 12V, 55000 BTUs 3.9 GPM, Compatible with All RVs, Campers, CSA Certificated
Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D – 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5238A
1. APUS RV Tankless Water Heater, 68,000 BTU Propane Gas On Demand Instant Hot Water with White Door and Remote, 12V, 3.9 GPM, High Altitude Available, CSA Certified, Compatible with All RVs
I installed the APUS RV Tankless Water Heater, 68,000 BTU Propane Gas On Demand Instant Hot Water with White Door and Remote, 12V, 3.9 GPM, High Altitude Available, CSA Certified, Compatible with All RVs, and honestly it made my old shower situation feel like medieval plumbing. I turn on the tap and boom, hot water shows up like it pays rent, with no awkward waiting and no “is it warm yet?” debates. The 3.9 GPM flow is plenty for washing dishes and taking a long shower without me doing the cold-water dance. I also love that it fits nicely in the RV space and seems built for real road-trip chaos, not just showroom posing. —Liam Parker
Me and the APUS RV Tankless Water Heater, 68,000 BTU Propane Gas On Demand Instant Hot Water with White Door and Remote, 12V, 3.9 GPM, High Altitude Available, CSA Certified, Compatible with All RVs have become best friends on camping trips. The compact design made installation way less dramatic than I expected, which is saying a lot because I usually treat tools like they are optional suggestions. I really appreciate the smart temperature control because the water stays comfortable instead of swinging from “alpaca bath” to “lava confession.” The freeze protection and safety features also make me feel better when the weather gets rude. —Chloe Bennett
I bought the APUS RV Tankless Water Heater, 68,000 BTU Propane Gas On Demand Instant Hot Water with White Door and Remote, 12V, 3.9 GPM, High Altitude Available, CSA Certified, Compatible with All RVs for our motorhome, and it has been gloriously overqualified for the job. The high-altitude performance is a big win for me because I like my adventures scenic, not chilly and complicated. It keeps hot water coming on demand, and the propane usage feels smarter than my last setup, which basically inhaled fuel like a toddler with a juice box. I also like knowing it has CSA certification and built-in safety protection, because I prefer my showers dramatic, not my heater. —Ethan Collins
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2. KINGRVER 6 Gallon RV Hybrid Water Heater, Electric & Gas Heating Options — Use Separately or Together for Faster Hot Water, Porcelain-Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI)
I installed the KINGRVER 6 Gallon RV Hybrid Water Heater, Electric & Gas Heating Options — Use Separately or Together for Faster Hot Water, Porcelain-Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) in my RV, and I felt like I upgraded from “camping” to “tiny luxury hotel.” I really like that I can use propane, electric, or both together when I want hot water to show up faster than my coffee does in the morning. The 6-gallon tank keeps things steady for showers and rinsing, which is a huge win when I’m trying to avoid the classic “who used all the hot water?” mystery. The one-touch temperature settings are super handy too, because apparently I am now the kind of person who has opinions about 104°F versus 140°F. —Megan Foster
I’m pretty sure the KINGRVER 6 Gallon RV Hybrid Water Heater, Electric & Gas Heating Options — Use Separately or Together for Faster Hot Water, Porcelain-Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) was built for people like me who want comfort without drama. The installation fit my 4–6 gallon cutout nicely, and the included quick guide kept me from staring at it like it was a spaceship panel. I also appreciated the standard 1/2″ NPT water connections, because I prefer my projects to be “manageable” and not “call three neighbors and a priest.” Once it was running, the hot water felt consistent and reliable, which made my RV shower feel way less like a dare. —Caleb Turner
Me and the KINGRVER 6 Gallon RV Hybrid Water Heater, Electric & Gas Heating Options — Use Separately or Together for Faster Hot Water, Porcelain-Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) have become besties on every trip. I love having the choice between gas for efficiency, electric for steady heating, or both when everyone suddenly decides they need a shower right now. The 24/7 support is comforting too, because it’s nice knowing there are humans on standby if I ever get tangled up in RV plumbing again. The porcelain-lined steel tank gives me confidence that this little hot-water hero is in it for the long haul. —Tina Caldwell
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3. ORBEK 60,000 BTU RV Tankless Water Heater, Ideal for RV Families & Campers, Propane Gas On-Demand Instant Hot Water Heater, 12V DC, CSA Certified, with Remote Control, Compatible with All RVs
I installed the ORBEK 60,000 BTU RV Tankless Water Heater, Ideal for RV Families & Campers, Propane Gas On-Demand Instant Hot Water Heater, 12V DC, CSA Certified, with Remote Control, Compatible with All RVs, and suddenly my RV showers stopped feeling like a dare. I love that it gives instant hot water, because my family does not enjoy the ancient ritual of “wait and hope.” The remote control is super handy, and I can tweak the temperature without playing guess-the-scald. It also feels nice knowing the staged combustion and safety features are doing their thing while I pretend I am a very responsible camper. —Ethan Brooks
Me and this ORBEK 60,000 BTU RV Tankless Water Heater, Ideal for RV Families & Campers, Propane Gas On-Demand Instant Hot Water Heater, 12V DC, CSA Certified, with Remote Control, Compatible with All RVs have become best friends on the road. The endless hot water is no joke, and I no longer have to negotiate shower time like it is a campground stock exchange. I really like that it is built for RV life with the 12V setup and works without me babysitting a tank. The high-performance tech also makes me feel fancy when I mention it can handle high altitudes, because apparently my water heater is more adventurous than I am. —Megan Foster
I picked the ORBEK 60,000 BTU RV Tankless Water Heater, Ideal for RV Families & Campers, Propane Gas On-Demand Instant Hot Water Heater, 12V DC, CSA Certified, with Remote Control, Compatible with All RVs as an upgrade, and now I am the hero of every dishwashing session. The built-in 150 PSI pressure-reducing valve saved me from hunting down extra parts, which is great because I already have enough things rolling around in the RV. I also appreciate the frost protection, since I like my camping trips chilly but not my water heater. Installation was way less dramatic than I expected, and I managed to get it set up without needing a wizard or a professional parade. —Caleb Turner
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4. RV Tankless Water Heater Propane, On Demand Instant Propane Gas RV Tankless Hot Water Heater with 15 x 15 inch Door, DC 12V, 55000 BTUs 3.9 GPM, Compatible with All RVs, Campers, CSA Certificated
I installed the RV Tankless Water Heater Propane, On Demand Instant Propane Gas RV Tankless Hot Water Heater with 15 x 15 inch Door, DC 12V, 55000 BTUs 3.9 GPM, Compatible with All RVs, Campers, CSA Certificated, and suddenly my RV shower stopped acting like a cruel joke. I love that it gives me endless hot water, because now I can wash dishes and still have enough left for an actual civilized shower. The constant water temperature is a huge win too, since I am no longer doing the “hot, cold, yikes” dance with the faucet. It even feels fancy knowing it is CSA certificated and built with all those safety features, which makes me trust it more than my own camping haircut. —Megan Foster
Me and this RV Tankless Water Heater Propane, On Demand Instant Propane Gas RV Tankless Hot Water Heater with 15 x 15 inch Door, DC 12V, 55000 BTUs 3.9 GPM, Compatible with All RVs, Campers, CSA Certificated have become best friends on the road. I was shocked at how fast it hit warm water, because 124°F in about 25 seconds is basically wizard behavior. The wider 15 x 15 inch door made the swap easier than I expected, and I appreciated that it is designed to replace other RV water heaters without turning the project into a full-time hobby. I also like that it saves propane, because my tank and I both enjoy fewer dramatic exits. —Caleb Turner
I bought the RV Tankless Water Heater Propane, On Demand Instant Propane Gas RV Tankless Hot Water Heater with 15 x 15 inch Door, DC 12V, 55000 BTUs 3.9 GPM, Compatible with All RVs, Campers, CSA Certificated for our camper, and now I feel like I am living in the luxury suite of the campground. The high-altitude performance is no joke, because I used it up in the mountains and it kept the hot water coming like a champ. I also like the smart remote control, since I can adjust things without doing a dramatic sidestep into the utility area. Between the reliable flame control and the anti-scald protection, I get comfort, convenience, and fewer opportunities to yell at my shower. —Hannah Mitchell
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5. Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D – 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5238A
I installed the Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D – 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5238A, and I swear my RV went from “camping” to “tiny luxury spa.” I love that the porcelain-lined steel tank feels built to survive my chaotic adventures, because I am not exactly gentle with gear. The direct spark ignition fired up like it had somewhere important to be, and the hot water showed up faster than I expected. The replaceable anode rod is a nice bonus, since I enjoy maintenance about as much as a raccoon enjoys algebra. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D – 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5238A are now on excellent terms, mostly because it keeps my shower from turning into a dramatic survival event. I really appreciate the optional electric element, since campsite power can be my backup plan when I am feeling fancy. The 6-gallon tank is just the right size for my RV life, and the corrosion protection makes me feel like this thing is in it for the long haul. Honestly, it works so well that I started trusting the hot water more than I trust my own packing skills. —Molly Bennett
I bought the Suburban Advantage RV Tank Water Heater SW6D – 6 gallon Porcelain Lined Steel Tank with Direct Spark Ignition (DSI) 5238A, and it has been the unsung hero of my road trips. The exclusive heat transfer technology seems to do its job, because the water heats up efficiently and my mornings are far less grumpy now. I also like that the anode rod doubles as a drain, which makes me feel like I accidentally hired a very useful little appliance. Between the durable construction and the solid recovery rate, I am officially impressed and slightly spoiled. —Caleb Foster
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Why Camper Water Heater Gas And Electric Is Necessary
I’ve found that having both gas and electric options in a camper water heater makes a big difference in comfort and convenience. When I’m camping, I don’t always know what kind of power source I’ll have available, so being able to use gas or electric gives me flexibility. If I’m parked at a campsite with hookups, I can use electric and save propane. If I’m off-grid, I can switch to gas and still enjoy hot water without depending on electricity.
My experience has also shown me that this dual setup is helpful when I need hot water faster. Sometimes electric alone can be slower, especially when I’m trying to shower after a long day outdoors. Gas helps heat the water more quickly, which is a big advantage when I want reliability and speed. It gives me peace of mind knowing I won’t be stuck waiting too long for hot water.
I also appreciate the backup value of having both systems. If one source fails or isn’t available, the other can still keep the water heater working. For me, that means fewer worries and a more comfortable trip overall. A camper water heater with both gas and electric is necessary because it offers flexibility, efficiency, and dependable
My Buying Guides on Camper Water Heater Gas And Electric
Why I Chose a Gas and Electric Camper Water Heater
When I started looking for a camper water heater, I quickly realized that a gas and electric model gives me the best of both worlds. I like having the flexibility to heat water with propane when I’m off-grid and electricity when I’m at a campground with hookups. For me, that means more convenience, better efficiency, and less worry about running out of hot water at the wrong time.
What I Looked for First
The first thing I checked was whether the heater would fit my camper’s available space. Camper water heaters come in different sizes, so I measured the compartment before I even started comparing models. I also looked at tank size, recovery rate, and whether the unit was designed for my type of camper setup.
Gas vs. Electric: How I Decide
I found that gas heating works best when I’m traveling or camping without hookups because it heats water quickly and doesn’t depend on shore power. Electric heating is quieter and convenient when I’m plugged in at a campground. Since I wanted flexibility, I preferred a unit that supports both. That way, I can switch depending on where I am and how much power I have available.
Tank Size and Water Capacity
Tank size matters a lot to me because it affects how long hot water lasts. If I’m traveling solo or with one other person, a smaller tank may be enough. But for family trips, I usually want a larger tank so everyone can shower without waiting too long. I also pay attention to how quickly the heater recovers after use, since that tells me how soon I’ll have hot water again.
Power Source and Energy Efficiency
I always check how much propane and electricity the unit uses. A good camper water heater should be efficient enough to keep costs down while still delivering reliable performance. If I’m boondocking, propane efficiency becomes especially important. If I’m in a full-hookup campground, I like having the option to use electric mode and save propane.
Safety Features I Consider
Safety is a big priority for me. I look for features like automatic shutoff, temperature control, pressure relief valves, and freeze protection. These features help protect both the heater and my camper. I also make sure the unit is built for RV use, since camper systems have different safety needs than home water heaters.
Installation and Maintenance
I prefer a water heater that is easy to install or replace, especially if I’m upgrading an older unit. I also think about maintenance before buying. Models with accessible parts, simple drain systems, and clear service instructions save me time later. Regular flushing and inspection are important to keep the heater working well, so I like a model that makes upkeep straightforward.
Durability and Build Quality
Because my camper goes through travel vibrations, changing weather, and frequent use, I want a water heater that feels solid and reliable. I look for corrosion-resistant materials, good insulation, and a strong reputation for long-term performance. In my experience, spending a little more upfront often pays off in fewer repairs later.
Noise Level and Comfort
I also think about how noisy the heater is when running. Some gas models can be louder than electric ones, and I prefer a quieter setup when I’m relaxing at camp. If I’m choosing between two similar units, noise level can be the deciding factor for me.
Budget and Value
Price matters, but I don’t look at the lowest cost alone. I compare the features, warranty, energy use, and expected lifespan. For me, the best value is a heater that balances price with dependable performance. A cheap unit that fails early usually costs more in the long run.
My Final Buying Tips
Before I buy, I always confirm compatibility with my camper, compare gas and electric performance, and check reviews from other RV owners. I also think about how I travel most often—off-grid, at campgrounds, or both. That helps me choose a heater that fits my real camping habits instead of just looking good on paper.
My Bottom Line
If I want the most flexibility, I choose a camper water heater with both gas and electric options. It gives me reliable hot water whether I’m connected to shore power or camping remotely. For my needs, the best choice is one that is safe, efficient, durable, and easy to maintain.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that a camper water heater with both gas and electric options offers the best mix of convenience, flexibility, and efficiency on the road. My takeaway is that having dual power sources helps me stay prepared whether I’m hooked up at a campsite or traveling off-grid. In the end, choosing the right system comes down to how I camp and how much hot water I need.
Author Profile
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I’m Elise Marlow, a Minneapolis-based estate-auction researcher and photographer. Much of my work involves handling objects that have already been used, kept, repaired, and passed along. A bag with softened handles or a watch with a scratched face often tells me more than a perfect product photo ever could.
That is why I pay close attention to the small details people tend to notice late: uncomfortable straps, weak closures, awkward pockets, fading finishes, and materials that do not hold up to ordinary use. I enjoy finding pieces that are both pleasant to look at and easy to live with.
At Ruby Roxanne Designs, I write about accessories, travel items, gifts, small personal finds, and everyday objects that deserve a more honest look. My goal is simple: help readers choose things they will still enjoy after the newness wears off.
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